Columbus G. McLeod - Protector of Plumed Birds
Posted by: 
rogueblack
N 26° 54.615 W 082° 05.740
17R E 391203 N 2976965
Historical Marker in Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Waymark Code: WM2WW5
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 01/01/2008
Views: 41
Many wading birds can be seen here, largely due to the sacrifice of men like Columbus G. McLeod (1848-1908), who gave his life trying to protect them from plume hunters. Ladies' hats with exotic bird feathers were high fashion for the late 1800's, and thousands of birds were slaughtered in Florida for their plumage. In 1901 the Audubon Society persuaded the state to adopt laws protecting Florida wildlife, especially plumage birds. Even so, no funds were allocated. The state, however, agreed to deputize two wardens hired by the Audubon Society. The danger of this work was evidenced when Guy M. Bradley, charged with protecting the Everglades area, was found shot to death near Flamingo on July 8, 1905. Columbus G. McLeod of Placida, charged with protecting to rookeries here in northern Charlotte Harbor, disappeared under suspicious circumstances and was presumed murdered on November 30, 1908. This second death of an Audubon warden sparked a national campaign against the wearing of feathers, and shifted public sentiment in favor of stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws and the prosecution of plume hunters. Today we enjoy the beauty of our Florida wading birds largely because of these men.
Marker Number: F-552
Date: 2004
County: Charlotte
Marker Type: Plaque
Sponsored or placed by: The Peace River Audubon Society and the Florida Department of State
Website: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
In your log, please say if you learned something new, and if you took any extra time to explore the area once you stopped at the historic marker waymark.
Please post a photo at the marker location.